need pro help-removal of 3M 5200'ed thru-hull

[vincentkm]

I'm trying to remove old nasty 2-7/8" Al exhaust tips from my transom. Those suckers have 5200 from the mid-90s holding them in. I tried cutting the perimeter with a utility knife inside and out as much as possible. Then I took a 2.5ft pipe wrench and tried to twist from the inside. I don't have much clearance around the area so it's very difficult to get a wrench that big on it. I ended up starting to crush the 1/4" wall of the pipe. I'm putting in 3" stainless angle cut tips. I don't want to biff this this and end up with a lot of fiberglass work. Looking for an expert opinion.

thanks all,
vinnie

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: need pro help-removal of 3M 5200'ed thru-hull

Not speaking from experience but I've heard that Spray Brake Cleaner has and effect on it.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: need pro help-removal of 3M 5200'ed thru-hull

You might have to try and cut a length-wise slit along the inside of the tube using a hacksaw blade or if you feel daring, a sawzall, and roll the old pipes in on themselves to remove them...also might try to soften the bond a little by applying a Little heat from either a hair dryer or a heat gun...
Maybe post up a couple of pics, to get some other ideas...

 

[vincentkm]

Re: need pro help-removal of 3M 5200'ed thru-hull

Thanks for your prompt responses. Much appreciated. I will try and snap a picture tommorow AM.

Will brake cleaner ruin fiberglass or gelcoat? Should I get chlorinated or non-chlorinated?

Its tough to get a blade into the gaps. There is less than 1mil from pipe OD to transom ID. (looking from inside). Also the hull and stringer are within an inch.

On the outside, the tip is flanged. And probably less than .5mil of goo between exterior gelcoat and inner flange lip. Arg

I guess I will try a combined arms assault on it tommorow AM and if I fail I will post pics and ask for more ideas. So: heat, crush pipe, cut around pipe more, brake cleaner (chlorinated or non?).

 

[vincentkm]

Re: need pro help-removal of 3M 5200'ed thru-hull

GT1000000----I have an air body saw with 24tpi blade that should be a little more delicate. this one:

Thanks for the idea. I will stick it in and slice the pipe hot-dog wise and try and crush it in to reduce the OD.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: need pro help-removal of 3M 5200'ed thru-hull

What about a 2 15/16 or 3" hole saw? Are you planing to glass over the hole? If this is the case, it will not matter if you go with 3' hole saw. Whatever left of the pipe can act as a guide for the hole saw until it bits into the 5200

 

[vincentkm]

Re: need pro help-removal of 3M 5200'ed thru-hull

Also another good idea! thanks deepblue! ^ I'm not going to glass over the hole, but the new pipe will be slightly larger than the ones I am trying to remove. so a holesaw might slip over the old pipe and cut the new correct diameter. kill two birds with one stone possibly. just need to check the clearances (thickness of hole saw blade) vs OD of old pipe.

this is why I come to these forums. no nonsense people that try and help; no trolls

appreiciate the ideas, I hadn't thought to try any of these suggestions. I will snap some pics and post up what worked tommorow.
Vinnie

 

[Debond]

Spamming

 

[GA_Boater]

Have you ever heard of DeBond Marine Formula? It is a patented formula for removing 3M-5200 sealant. you can learn more here http://bit.ly/WcxdKL

Have you heard of not replying to old posts? This one is over a year old and you aren't the topic starter. Please take another look at the rules. Thanks.

 

[Watermann]

Been a run of this stuff going on lately with vendors. Not even trying to hide it, his user name is the same as the corporation name in the product website link.

 

[GA_Boater]

Darn, got in a hurry, Watermann. It's fixed.